Cost-effectiveness analysis of herbal medicines in children with idiopathic short stature

Herbal medicines have been used for a long time to treat idiopathic short stature (ISS) in children in East Asian countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of 5 herbal medicines frequently used in clinical settings for children with ISS based on medical records. METHODS: Patients with ISS who had been prescribed a 60-day supply of herbal medicines in 1 Korean medicine hospital were included in this analysis. Their height and height percentile were measured before and after treatment within 6-months. The average cost-effectiveness ratios (ACERs) of 5 herbal medicines for height (cm) and height percentile were calculated for boys and girls, respectively. RESULTS: The ACERs per 1 cm height growth were USD 56.2 (Naesohwajung–Tang), USD 74.8 (Ogapi–Growth decoction), USD 86.6 (Gamcho–Growth decoction), USD 94.6 (Gwakhyangjeonggi–San plus Yukmijihwang–Tang), and USD 113.8 (Boyang–Growth decoction). The ACERs per 1 percentile height growth were USD 205 (Naesohwajung–Tang), USD 293 (Ogapi–Growth decoction), USD 470 (Gamcho–Growth decoction), USD 949 (Boyang–Growth decoction), and USD 1051 (Gwakhyangjeonggi–San plus Yukmijihwang–Tang). CONCLUSION: Herbal medicine might be a potential economical alternative treatment for ISS.